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2021 NFL Mock Draft: Texans find a Deshaun Watson replacement in the first-round

By Brad Weiss

MOBILE, AL - JANUARY 30: A general view of the National Team at the line of scrimmage facing off against the American Team during the 2021 Resse's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama on January 30, 2021 in Mobile, Alabama. The National Team defeated the American Team 27-24. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images)
MOBILE, AL - JANUARY 30: A general view of the National Team at the line of scrimmage facing off against the American Team during the 2021 Resse's Senior Bowl at Hancock Whitney Stadium on the campus of the University of South Alabama on January 30, 2021 in Mobile, Alabama. The National Team defeated the American Team 27-24. (Photo by Don Juan Moore/Getty Images) /
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Sep 7, 2019; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies running back Keshawn King 935) celebrates his first touch down with Christian Darrisaw (77) in the first period against the Old Dominion Monarchs at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lee Luther Jr.-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 7, 2019; Blacksburg, VA, USA; Virginia Tech Hokies running back Keshawn King 935) celebrates his first touch down with Christian Darrisaw (77) in the first period against the Old Dominion Monarchs at Lane Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Lee Luther Jr.-USA TODAY Sports /

13. player. 13. . Offensive Tackle. Los Angeles Chargers. Christian Darrisaw

The Los Angeles Chargers hit the jackpot during the 2020 NFL Draft, adding Oregon quarterback Justin Herbert. At the time, Herbert was not seen as the top quarterback available, but as the season wore on, it was clear that he had franchise quarterback written all over him.

With their top pick this April, the Chargers have to focus on protecting this No. 1 asset and they do so by bringing in Virginia Tech offensive tackle Christian Darrisaw. This is a kid who can protect Herbert’s blindside of the foreseeable future, and that will be important as he continues to develop into a top signal-caller in this league.

Christian Barmore. 14. player. 60. . Defensive Tackle. Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings will have to take care of issues on both sides of the ball, but on offense, they have some solid weapons in place. If they can get their offensive line issues sorted out, they should be able to put up points, like Kirk Cousins, Dalvin Cook, and Justin Jefferson are a solid trio.

On defense, they need help up front along the line as well, and they get a great player here at No. 14 in Christian Barmore. This kid can stop the run, get after the quarterback, and would give the Vikings a big body in the middle of their defensive line for years to come.

47. . Tight End. New England Patriots. Kyle Pitts. 15. player

The New England Patriots fell short of the playoffs this season, and will now have to sit and watch their former franchise quarterback go for his seventh ring without them. Tom Brady and Tampa Bay are in the Super Bowl, and while New England still needs to find a successor, they pass on one here at pick No. 15.

With this pick, the Patriots get Florida tight end Kyle Pitts, who is the kind of pass-catching playmaker this offense is missing. Bill Belichick knows how to get the best out of his tight ends, and Pitts can be the best to play the position in New England since Gronk.

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